Evanston Office Building Conversion Has Started
Construction is underway to transform a former Class C office building into 30 new residential apartment units.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Commercial
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Work has commenced on the conversion of the office building located at 960-990 Grove St. into 30 residential apartments. The project, which was initially proposed in 2024, aims to repurpose the aging office space to address a lack of demand for the property.
Why it matters
This project seeks to revitalize a property that suffered from deferred maintenance and a suboptimal location. It currently stands as the only planned office-to-residential conversion project within Evanston.
The development will feature 30 apartment units, three of which are designated as affordable housing for households earning up to 60% of the area median income. Conversion work is scheduled to span a total of two years.
The players
City of Evanston
This local government body enforces the municipal inclusionary housing ordinance that governs the affordability requirements for the conversion project.
The details
Remodeling efforts are underway to transform the underutilized Class C office property into a residential complex. The design and implementation process strictly adheres to the city's inclusionary housing ordinance to ensure community access.
Timeline
The project was first proposed by the owner in 2024.
Construction work officially started in October 2026.
The conversion work is expected to reach completion by October 2028.
Culture Shift
This project aligns with a growing urban trend of retrofitting underperforming commercial real estate to address residential housing shortages. It represents a pivot away from traditional downtown office usage toward mixed-use living environments.
Residents may notice ongoing construction activity and noise at the 960-990 Grove St. site throughout the two-year build phase. Once finished, the building will provide 30 new rental opportunities, including three dedicated affordable housing options.
The takeaway
Repurposing aging office buildings can help mitigate the effects of declining commercial demand while expanding local housing inventory. Property owners are increasingly turning to residential conversions to salvage assets that no longer align with modern workspace needs.
Further reading
For more on local development trends, visit Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Evanston Now.
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